Black in Period Films

                Harlem Rides the Range                1939  ‧  Western  ‧  56 mins Harlem Rides the Range has the typical 1930's Western fanfare. I first thought the main character's name was Harlem which I found quite hilarious. But once I began the move realized the character's name is actually Bob Blake. Which means the movie is most likely called Harlem Rides the Range because of its All-Black Cast. You get it ... Harlem ... All-Black cast ... Get it? The cast does a great job. Herbert Jeffrey (As Bob Blake) is credited as Hollywood's first singing black cowboy. He lives up to the title in this 56 minute film. His baritone voice, good looks and charisma makes him the perfect lead for a film of this kind. The surrounding cast fills in their respective roles perfectly. Lucius Brooks as Dusty the sidekick, Wade Dumas as the Dog City sheriff and Artie Young as Mis...

I am now a little over half way done reading Roots. There are 888 pages and I have reached page 500. I decide to reflect on how I feel at this point in the book. There is so much acclaim and history surrounding this book and the 1977 miniseries. I was born after the series premiered and while I might have watched Roots as a child I have to honestly say I don’t remember much. I know many of the classic scenes (Kunta Kinte’s refusal to be called Toby for example) from second hand sources. I’m more familiar with Alex Haley’s Queen. When I found out Roots was being remade I decided it was time to read the famous novel and form my own opinion of the material. With this knowledge I’d be able to watch the rebooted Roots with reasonable expectations and personal knowledge of what to expect.   Half way through the novel and I believe the acclaim surrounding the novel is well founded. I have been absolutely engrossed in the book. The characterization of Kunta Kinte is brilliant. W...

According to Deadline Teyonah Parris is in talks to star in ‘Buffalo Soldier Girl’ for filmmaker Christine Swanson! I'm excited about this potential project. I came across a picture of Cathay Williams some time ago and was very intrigued with her story and stories of her kind. Cathay Williams posed as a man to fight during the Civil War under the name William Cathay. Although the press release did not mention Cathay the summary provided fits Cathay's story. I take that to mean it will not be a biopic but instead a movie that draws from her experience. Teyonah Parris is beautiful with period film ready natural hair. I am so ready for set photos. I hope this project works out. I have seen, read, and heard people that believe there aren't many period stories to tell about Black Americans; that simply isn't true. Black American history is dynamic. So whether they tell this as a biopic or not it has entertaining history to draw from! What do you think abou...

This Amma Asante project seems very interesting. It is another period film this time involving a mixed-race German girl and an SS officer in 1940s Berlin. Amandla Stenberg is best known for her role as Rue in Hunger Games. I think she'll be awesome in the film and I can't wait to see her in the amazing 1940s period fashions. Source

Like many films of its kind Stompin' at the Savoy begins with actual vintage images of Black people from the portrayed time period. I think this is done for two reasons. 1. It helps transition the viewers into the story and time period. 2. It is a device that is used to remind the audience that Black Americans were actually present during that era. Regardless of the reason I like the effect it gives during the viewing experience. The reason why this device works is because the entire film works towards fully immersing the viewers into the period of spirit of the era. I really enjoyed the first half of the film. It was very enjoyable to see beautiful Black women of various shades decked out in period correct 1930's attire. You could put screenshots along side actual photos from the period and not know which one is real and which one is from the film. What do you think? The fun music and dancing at the Savoy (the famous Harlem nightclub) pulled me right ...

This is the first image that I have seen from the Roots Reboot. With talents like Laurence Fishburne (as Alex Haley) and Anika Noni Rose (as Kizzy) the final result can't be too bad. I trust the casted actors and actresses to give amazing performances. I am just worried about the pressure that comes with adding to a classic with such a legacy. I don't want to be underwhelmed when I'm done watching. I like the coloring of the picture. Another thing that makes me happy about this picture is Anika Noni Rose and her hair. Her natural hair looks so great. I hate period films that refuse to actually style kinky Black hair. Contrary to popular belief ... first hand slave narratives and runaway slave advertisements actually prove enslaved Black women (and men) cared about their appearance and took time to style their hair. I can go on and on about this topic so I'll stop here and save some for another time. What do you think about this image?

The first time I came across the 1937 novel Their Eyes Were Watching God was on my older sister’s desk. She was reading it for school. Years later I read from the same copy when I was assigned the novel to read. I feel in deeply in love with the novel. After reading the novel I watched the film. What would be better than a film version of a beloved book, right? WRONG! This was a major mistake on my part because the film is very different from the book in various ways with entire scenes and characters left out. Years later as an adult I have decided to give the film another chance. This go around I tried my very best to take it at face value without comparing it to the genius that is Zora Neale Hurston. This method of watching the film served me well as I enjoyed it immensely this time around.            Everything that I look for in a period film was present in the film. I can honestly say the costumes, music, scenery, dialogue, and historical ac...